European Social Fund in England

South East businesses boosted by ESF

A high profile dissemination and networking event has celebrated the achievements of the South East England Development Agency’s (SEEDA) 2004-2008 ESF co-financing programme.

Key partners and providers involved in delivering the programme came together near Guildford on 16 September to mark the fact that since 2004, more than 5,000 individuals and over 3,100 businesses in the South East have benefited from over £10 million worth of ESF funding.

John Parsonage, Executive Director - Smart Growth, SEEDA speaking at the ESF event

Key speakers included Elizabeth Holt from the European Commission Representation in the UK; Ken Lambert - Head of England ESF Managing Authority and John Parsonage - Executive Director, Smart Growth, SEEDA.

Speaking of the achievements and future opportunities, SEEDA’s Executive Director, Smart Growth, John Parsonage said: “SEEDA is very pleased to have been able to use ESF co-financing to help make such a difference to small businesses and individuals in the region. SEEDA is now looking to the future and is working with new providers throughout the South East to deliver projects which address skills shortages in small and medium enterprises as well as providing support for unemployed individuals seeking to start their own businesses”.

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